Serving as Vanguard’s Managing Director, Rick DeFino demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, speed, and customer service that has put Vanguard at the forefront of commercial, residential, and municipal contracts. Rick’s career in the solar industry started nearly a decade ago in Australia for a year and his success allowed him to open a branch in New Zealand where his team’s total installations accounted for 7% of the North Island’s commissioned systems. Rick brought his expertise and tenacity back to the United States where he eventually came to found Vanguard Solar Services as he and his partners (Jake and Jordan) understood the necessity for a solar company to specialize in solar service, an underserved industry. His attention to detail, client relationships, and unyielding resolve has allowed his company to succeed and scale despite the pandemic climate. 

Serving as Vanguard’s Director of Sales, Jake Savageau reinforces a standard of excellence through his extensive background and experience in commercial and residential roofing. Commanding a total of 20 years within the roofing and contracting industry, Jake started and sold several commercial and residential roofing companies. Jake has managed over 1,500 residential roofing projects annually, and has oversaw the construction and service of hundreds of commercial and municipal properties. Jake’s construction company was awarded the reparation of several US military bases managing both residential and commercial re-roofing projects throughout the US. Jake is a licensed adjuster in the states of Colorado, Texas, and Florida. Jake, a lifelong Colorado native, has displayed a dedication to the Front Range community and has personally sought to empower his community. His thorough training of Vanguard’s solar technicians on how to properly walk on and dry-in roofs during the solar installation process is precisely the reason Vanguard is a trusted name for residential and commercial contractors, G.C.’s, and major developers alike.

Serving as Vanguard’s Chief of Engineering, Jordan House commands nearly 30 years of solar electric and solar thermal experience. Jordan was one of the first four people in the United States to possess both a NABCEP certification in Solar PV and Solar Thermal Installation. Jordan has overseen the engineering and construction of commercial installations for Native American reservations, commercial, residential, and federal contracts. The depth of experience and knowledge of legacy equipment that Jordan possesses is unmatched throughout the solar community as he has personally seen the evolution of the solar industry. Jordan’s dedication to educating Vanguard’s newest employees are a testament to the quality installations Vanguard provides to every client.